My story is one that I never thought I would have. At 31 I was diagnosed with Stage IIB Triple Negative Breast Cancer. I went through what one would call the "standard" treatment, which consisted of neoadjuvant chemo, bi-lateral masectomy, followed by 5 weeks of radiation. Losing my hair was definetly one of the hardest parts of the entire experience. However, my story actually starts 2 months before my diagnosis. I found a lump and my doctor sent me to get an ultrasound. They handed me a list of radiologists and went with the one who would take me in the next day. The results came back that I had a benign mass-likely just a cyst. Something just did not sit right with me so I got a second opinion a few weeks later. To my surprise, this "benign cyst" turned out to be a 5.4 cm, grade 3 tumor! When I think of what would've been the outcome had I not listened to my instincts, it makes me angry, sad and obviously grateful that I got a second opinion. WE are our best advocate. Listen to your body and pay attention to that little voice inside your head that tells you something just may not be right. Because of my experience I questioned alot of my treatment and educated myself on all things cancer. If there is any "peace" in cancer I would say that accepting the bad days and taking advantage of the good days gave me some peace when something was out of my control. I'm now on the otherside of treatment and trying to get my normal back. Whatever that is-I'm still trying to find it. I'm grateful for my family, friends, co-workers, and even complete strangers who in some way or another helped me throughout the scariest chapter in my life. I look forward to turning the page and starting a new chapter.

Jessica Shephard
Tampa, FL